3441 megawatts zenith reached in summer: EWA

Manama, Nov. 23 (BNA): Electricity and Water Authority (EWA)'s CEO, Shaikh Nawaf bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, said the Gulf Cooperation (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) encounter big challenges in rationalization of electricity consumption at a time oil prices are globally plummeting. There is a noticeable increase in electricity demand at upwards of 7%. The demand has increased to record levels in the Gulf region. In Bahrain, the zenith of 3441 megawatts of electric power was reached this summer that means a growth rate of 9.2% above last year. He voiced these concerns as he was speaking to the Workshop on Rationalisation of Electricity, Water Consumption in the GCC today entitled "Rationalisation for a better future" hosted this year in the Kingdom of Bahrain and organized by EWA. In his inaugural speech, the Shaikh Nawaf said: We are considered one of the countries having highest rate of per capita consumption of water although our region is one of the driest in the world and has scanty water resources. Therefore, it is imperative for our countries to adopt policy to rectify electricity and water tariffs and link them with rationalisation policy. The head of GCC Electricity and Water Economisation Panels, Abdulaziz Al Hammadi, also delivered a speech in which he asserted the importance of similar workshops and their role in boosting consumers' awareness regarding the need to rationalise water and electricity consumption. He added the holding of this workshop proves our countries commitment to optimize their resources as the basic pillar for sustainable development.